Nairobi Research Articles

Evaluating the Accuracy of Gridded Population Estimates in Slums: A Case Study in Nigeria and Kenya

Low- and middle-income country cities face unprecedented urbanization and growth in slums. Gridded population data (e.g., ~100 × 100 m) derived from demographic and spatial data are a promising source of population estimates, but face limitations in slums due to the dynamic nature of this population as well as modelling assumptions. In this study, we compared field-referenced boundaries and population counts from Slum Dwellers International in Lagos (Nigeria), Port Harcourt (Nigeria), and Nairobi (Kenya) with nine gridded population datasets to assess their statistical accuracy in slums. We found that all gridded population estimates vastly underestimated population in slums (RMSE: 4958 to 14,422, Bias: −2853 to −7638), with the most accurate dataset (HRSL) estimating just 39 per cent of slum residents. Using a modelled map of all slums in Lagos to compare gridded population datasets in terms of SDG 11.1.1 (percent of population living in deprived areas), all gridded population datasets estimated this indicator at just 1–3 per cent compared to 56 per cent using UN-Habitat’s approach. We outline steps that might improve that accuracy of each gridded population dataset in deprived urban areas. While gridded population estimates are not yet sufficiently accurate to estimate SDG 11.1.1, we are optimistic that some could be used in the future following updates to their modelling approaches.

Risk factors and experiences of prepartum depression in urban- low-income settlement Nairobi Kenya: a mixed-method study

Background: Prepartum depression is common among pregnant women and has not been studied much in low and middle-income countries. Evidence shows that mental illnesses are prevalent in urban than in rural areas. The study objective was to determine the magnitude of prepartum depression, risk factors, and real-life experiences of depression among pregnant women. Method: A mixed-method cross-sectional study was conducted. It included 262 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in two public health facilities in urban low-income settlement Nairobi, Kenya. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) with cut-off >13 was used to classify clinical depressive illness. Further, a focus group discussion was conducted with 20 women identified with depression. Univariable analysis with Odd's Ratio was used to test associations. Variables with a p<0.05 in multivariable regression were considered significant. Result: Out of the 262 women, 33.6% were found to have clinical depression as indicated by EPDS score of >13. Women's gestational age was statistically significantly associated with prepartum depression [OR 4.27 (95% C.I. 2.08 - 8.79), p < 0.001]. Income level ≤ 5000 KES was statistically significantly associated with prepartum depression [OR 3.64 (95% C.I.1.25 -10.60), p=0.018]. Further, thematic analysis of qualitative indicated that poverty, lack of social support, domestic violence, and unfriendly health care were major contributors to prepartum depression. Conclusion: Significant numbers of pregnant women were found to experience depression. This prevalence rate indicates a high disease burden of women who live with depression, which is not diagnosed because screening of depression is not done in primary health care centers. This study calls for a need and consideration for screening for perinatal depression in primary health care facilities, mainly in resource-poor areas. Interventions targeting means of resolving conflicts in families are highly needed. Such steps would help achieve key sustainable development goals where maternal and child health remains key priority.

Value of stakeholder engagement in improving newborn care in Kenya: a qualitative description of perspectives and lessons learned

ObjectiveEmbedding researchers within health systems results in more socially relevant research and more effective uptake of evidence into policy and practice. However, the practice of embedded health service research remains...

Playful mobilities in the Global South: A study of Pokémon Go play in Rio de Janeiro and Nairobi

Pokémon Go is the most popular location-based game worldwide. As a location-based game, Pokémon Go’s gameplay is connected to networked urban mobility. However, urban mobility differs significantly around the world. Large metropoles in South America and Africa, for example, experience ingrained social, cultural, and economic inequalities. With this in mind, we interviewed Pokémon Go players in two Global South cities, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Nairobi (Kenya), to understand how players navigate urban spaces not only based on gameplay but with broader concerns for safety. Our findings reveal that players negotiate their urban mobilities based on perceptions of risk and safety, choosing how to move around and avoiding areas known for violence and theft. These findings are relevant for understanding the social and political aspects of networked urban spaces as well as for investigating games as venues through which we can understand ordinary life, racial, gender, and socioeconomic inequalities.

Acrylamide Intake in Nairobi Kenya

Among the safety concerns in fried potato products are the levels of acrylamide. High intake of acrylamide has been linked to carcinogenicity in animals and it remains a suspect human carcinogen. The current study was intended to assess exposure to acrylamide through consumption of French fries in Nairobi, Kenya. Data on levels of acrylamide was obtained by analysing samples purchased from fast food outlets in Nairobi while consumption survey was carried out in the same region targeting individual consumers. Consumption data was combined with levels and dietary acrylamide exposure was calculated using probabilistic approach. Results indicated that 57.8% of respondents were males while 42.2% were females. Majority (64.1%) of the consumers were in the age bracket of 20- 29 years. About 17.8% of the respondents consumed French fries once daily, while 78.7% consumed fries at least once a week. Average acrylamide levels in French fries significantly (p<0.05) differed with point of purchase being highest in middle end hotel fries (412 µg/kg) followed by fries from street processors (354.18 µg/kg) and high-end hotels (136.15 µg/kg). The mean and 95th (P95) percentile acrylamide intakes for consuming street processed fries were respectively 0.693 and 2.469 µg/kg bw/day, while for the middle end hotels were 0.81 and 3.369 µg/kg bw/day, respectively. The mean and 95th (P95) percentile acrylamide intakes for consumption of high-end hotel fries were 0.256 and 1.035 µg/kg bw/day, respectively. When the worst-case scenario was considered, the mean margins of exposure for the street fries (260) and middle hotel fries (223) were below 310 with 95th percentiles being extremely low at 73 and 53, respectively. Consumers of these fries are at high risk of exposure. High exposures in the current study should warrant concern and need for appropriate measures to be taken by appropriate agencies.

Effect of Variation in Moisture Content on Soil Deformation and Differential Settlement of Frame Structures in Nairobi Area and its Environs

Background: The stability of structures to a great extent depends on the foundation. The foundation of a building structure plays a key role in transferring the loading from the structure to the soil underneath. In foundation design, the effect of changes in soil moisture content to soil deformation and subsequent differential settlement during the lifespan of a structure is often ignored. Objective: This research establishes the relationship between soil moisture content and soil deformation for soils in the Nairobi area and its environs. Soil deformation in some foundation supports in a building leads to an unequal settlement resulting in differential settlement. The research further determines the influence of soil deformation on the differential settlement of a typical four-storey reinforced concrete frame structure. Methods: Seven soil samples collected from the Nairobi area and its environs were subjected to moisture content variation. Soil deformation was measured, and the laboratory test results were applied to determine the modulus of subgrade reaction constant for the elastic foundation. A four-storey reinforced concrete frame structure was modelled at varying foundation conditions. The resulting differential settlement for frame structure was evaluated. Two control cases were assessed. The structural behaviour depicted by changes in bending moments, shear forces, differential settlement, and member stresses for varying foundation cases was assessed. Staad Pro software was applied in structural modelling. Results: Increasing soil moisture content from 30% to 50% and 75% by keeping all other factors constant led to increased soil deformation ranging from 17.2% to 34% for the 7 soil samples tested. Structural modelling revealed that increasing soil moisture content at a group of four outer footings in a 16 footings’ building contributes to significant changes in shear forces, bending moments, compressive and tensile stresses, and supports the differential settlement. Differential settlement induced by soil deformation arising from an increase in soil moisture content from 30% to 75% increased by 49.1%. Conclusion: Increase in soil moisture content contributed to soil deformation, which led to a significant differential settlement in a line of foundation’s outer footings in a building. The moisture content-caused differential settlement, which contributed to remarkable changes in the amount and distribution pattern for shear forces, bending moments, compressive and tensile stresses, and node displacement when the soil moisture content was increased from 30% to 75%.An increase in soil moisture content to 50% and above at some footings of a building would lead to structural failure unless the building structure is specifically designed to withstand such differential settlement. Construction stakeholders should consider the differential settlement attributed to variation in soil moisture content during the structure’s lifespan and safety factors adequately at the design stage to avoid potential structural failure and even collapse.

Influence of Transitional Youth Program on Peer Relationships among Post-High School Youth: A Case Study of theTransitional VUMA Program of Nairobi Chapel Church, Nairobi Kenya

Influence of Transitional Youth Program on Peer Relationships among Post-High School Youth: A Case Study of theTransitional VUMA Program of Nairobi Chapel Church, Nairobi Kenya

Enabling participatory planning to be scaled in exclusionary urban political environments: lessons from the Mukuru Special Planning Area in Nairobi

Drawing on the Mukuru Special Planning Area in Nairobi (Kenya), this article analyses enabling conditions for scaling participatory planning in otherwise exclusionary urban political environments. It contributes to debates that focus on qualitative changes required to enhance citizen participation and on the integration of low-income residents’ needs, demands and innovations into city-wide planning practices around informal settlement upgrading. The article identifies three conditions that are key to enable and enhance the success of scaling efforts. First, moving to scale requires identifying, generating and making strategic use of political opportunities and building political momentum around them. Second, in addition to mobilizing, organizing and connecting stakeholders at different levels, successful scaling efforts must also promote qualitative changes in the way these stakeholders see themselves, and how they interact with and relate to each other. Third, going to scale requires the capacity to manage conflict successfully and prevent attempts to disrupt, co-opt or halt a scaling process.

Risk factors and experiences of prepartum depression in urban- low-income settlement Nairobi Kenya: a mixed-method study

Background: Prepartum depression is common among pregnant women and has not been studied much in low and middle-income countries. Evidence shows that mental illnesses are prevalent in urban than in rural areas. The study objective was to determine the magnitude of prepartum depression, risk factors, and real-life experiences of depression among pregnant women. Method: A mixed-method cross-sectional study was conducted. It included 262 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in two public health facilities in urban low-income settlement Nairobi, Kenya. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) with cut-off >13 was used to classify clinical depressive illness. Further, a focus group discussion was conducted with 20 women identified with depression. Univariable analysis with Odd's Ratio was used to test associations. Variables with a p<0.05 in multivariable regression were considered significant. Result: Out of the 262 women, 33.6% were found to have prepartum depression as indicated by EPDS score of >13. Women's gestational age was statistically significantly associated with depression [OR 3.37; (95% C.I 1.60 - 7.10); p <0.001] Income levels <10,000 KES was statistically significantly associated with prepartum depression [OR 0.39; (95%; C.I 0.23 – 0.66); p <0.001]. Further, thematic analysis of qualitative indicated that poverty, lack of social support, domestic violence, and unfriendly health care were major contributors to prepartum depression. Conclusion: Significant numbers of pregnant women were found to experience depression. This prevalence rate indicates a high disease burden of women who live with depression, which is not diagnosed because screening of depression is not done in primary health care centers. This study calls for a need and consideration for screening for perinatal depression in primary health care facilities, mainly in resource-poor areas. Interventions targeting means of resolving conflicts in families are highly needed. Such steps would help achieve key sustainable development goals where maternal and child health remains key priority.

Effectiveness of Training and Use of Novasil Binder in Mitigating Aflatoxins in Cow Milk Produced in Smallholder Farms in Urban and Periurban Areas of Kenya.

Aflatoxins, which commonly contaminate animal feeds and human food, present a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. After ingestion by cows, aflatoxin B1 is metabolized to aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), some of which is excreted in milk. This study involved smallholder dairy farms in urban and periurban areas of Nairobi and Kisumu, Kenya. The objective was to determine the effectiveness of training and providing farmers with aflatoxin binder (NovaSil®) on AFM1 contamination in raw milk. A baseline survey was undertaken and 30 farmers whose milk had AFM1 levels above 20 ppt were randomly selected for inclusion in the study. Of these, 20 farmers were part of the intervention, and were given training on the usage of the NovaSil® binder, while 10 served as a control group. All farmers were visited biweekly for three months for interviews and milk samples were collected to measure the AFM1 levels. The AFM1 levels were quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The NovaSil® binder significantly reduced AFM1 concentrations in the raw milk produced by the farmers in the intervention group over the duration of the study (p < 0.01). The control farms were more likely to have milk with AFM1 levels exceeding the regulatory limit of 50 ppt compared to the intervention farms (p < 0.001) (odds ratio = 6.5). The farmers in the intervention group perceived that there was an improvement in milk yield, and in cow health and appetite. These farmers also felt that the milk they sold, as well as the one they used at home, was safer. In conclusion, the use of binders by dairy farmers can be effective in reducing AFM1 in milk. Further research is needed to understand their effectiveness, especially when used in smallholder settings.

Risk factors and experiences of prepartum depression in urban- low-income settlement Nairobi Kenya: a mixed-method study

Background: Prepartum depression is common among pregnant women and has not been studied much in low and middle-income countries. Evidence shows that mental illnesses are prevalent in urban than in rural areas. The study objective was to determine the magnitude of prepartum depression, risk factors, and real-life experiences of depression among pregnant women. Method: A mixed-method cross-sectional study was conducted. It included 262 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in two public health facilities in urban low-income settlement Nairobi, Kenya. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) with cut-off >13 was used to classify clinical depressive illness. Further, a focus group discussion was conducted with 20 women identified with depression. Univariable analysis with Odd's Ratio was used to test associations. Variables with a p<0.05 in multivariable regression were considered significant. Result: Out of the 262 women, 33.6% were found to have clinical depression as indicated by EPDS score of >13. Women's gestational age was statistically significantly associated with prepartum depression [OR 4.27 (95% C.I. 2.08 - 8.79), p < 0.001]. Income level ≤ 5000 KES was statistically significantly associated with prepartum depression [OR 3.64 (95% C.I.1.25 -10.60), p=0.018]. Further, thematic analysis of qualitative indicated that poverty, lack of social support, domestic violence, and unfriendly health care were major contributors to prepartum depression. Conclusion: Significant numbers of pregnant women were found to experience depression. This prevalence rate indicates a high disease burden of women who live with depression, which is not diagnosed because screening of depression is not done in primary health care centers. This study calls for a need and consideration for screening for perinatal depression in primary health care facilities, mainly in resource-poor areas. Interventions targeting means of resolving conflicts in families are highly needed. Such steps would help achieve key sustainable development goals where maternal and child health remains key priority.

Exploring the material conditions of Pokémon Go play in Rio de Janeiro and Nairobi

ABSTRACT Pokémon Go offers an important locus for understanding how location-based mobile gaming practices interconnect with urban mobility and the materialities of urban spaces. Yet, most of the literature on location-based mobile games overlooks the specific materialities that influence gameplay in Global South cities. These are worth considering, given that Pokémon Go requires players to move through their environment with access to both a mobile smartphone and network connection. These prerequisites pose challenges to players because in some Global South cities players experience difficult mobilities, precarious access to technologies, and inconsistent networked connections. To explore these issues, we offer a qualitative study about Pokémon Go gameplay in two large Global South cities: Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Nairobi (Kenya). We have chosen these two cities because of their similar social, infrastructural, and economic inequalities. Based on interviews with Pokémon Go players, we explore how these inequalities shape the interconnections between location-based gameplay, mobile phone use, and urban mobilities. We found out that players often contend with urban challenges by adopting a number of practices, unique to their local context, to successfully play the game. These practices include collaborating and caring for others during and outside gameplay and adjusting their mobilities to preserve networked connections. Our study contributes an understanding of how players, in these cities, respond to their material circumstances in order to play the game and care for each other. We also offer a framework for understanding location-based gameplay outside Global North contexts.

Monitoring and Evaluation Systems and Performanceof Non-Governmental Organization Projects: A Case of AMREF Health Africa, Nairobi Kenya

Monitoring and Evaluation Systems and Performanceof Non-Governmental Organization Projects: A Case of AMREF Health Africa, Nairobi Kenya

Bacteria Contamination and Distribution in Patient Care Environment at Mbagathi Hospital Surgical and New-born Units

Background: Hospital environment can serve as an important reservoir and thus a critical element in the transmission of bacterial infections especially in critical care settings such as Surgical and new-born units. Contact with contaminated surfaces may lead to Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) among healthcare workers, visitors and patients. Further, HAIs may contribute to the spread of drug-resistant bacterial infections. This study sought to determine bacteriological characteristics and distribution in patient care environmental surfaces (Surgical and new-born units) at Mbagathi hospital Nairobi Kenya.&#x0D; Methods: A total of 700 samples were obtained from different surfaces: beds, bedside tables, sink taps handle, door handles, nursery incubators, paediatric weighing scale and new-born resuscitation machine by means of repeated screens over a period of three months. Microbiological isolation and identification were done by following standard laboratory methods established at Aga Khan University Hospital. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out by using Vitek 2 system.&#x0D; Result: Five bacterial genera were isolated, S. Aureus was 3% (19/700), E. coli 0.9% (6/700), Acinetobacter species was 1.4% (10/700), Pseudomonas species 0.1% (1/700) and coagulase negative staphylococcus (CoNS)13.0% (88/700). Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole and Benzylpenicillin were the most resistant antimicrobial agents while Oxacillin, Cefoxitin, Levofloxacin, Linezolid was most sensitive.&#x0D; Conclusion: All S. aureus were methicillin sensitive (MSSA). Patient beds surfaces were the most contaminated among the selected items while the nursery incubator was the least contaminated.

Hepatitis C-related knowledge, attitudes and perceived risk behaviours among people who inject drugs in Kenya: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT Despite disproportionately high rates of Hepatitis C (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWID) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), understanding of HCV-related knowledge, attitudes and perceived risk behaviours among this population remains limited. We aimed to elucidate knowledge, attitudes and experiences that could minimise transmission risk and maximise HCV treatment engagement among PWID in Kenya following the integration of HCV screening and education with needle and syringe programmes in drop-in-centres (DICs). We recruited 40 PWID with chronic HCV attending DICs in Nairobi and Coastal Kenya. Semi-structured interviews revealed a general understanding of HCV and awareness of HCV risk behaviours among participants; however, many felt limited control over their transmission risk due to factors such as ‘local doctors’, or individuals who perform a high volume of high-risk injections. Financial barriers, distance to clinic, poor health status and HCV-related stigma were all noted as barriers to HCV treatment. In conclusion, basic knowledge of and motivation for HCV treatment among PWID accessing DICs in Kenya was high; however, structural barriers and stigma complicate access to care. Local education programmes can address knowledge gaps, and behavioural and structural interventions can maximise the impact of HCV care in LMICs.

Functionality of Kenya Prisons Service in Managing Terrorist Prison Criminal Group Activities at Kamiti Maximum Prison, Nairobi Kenya

Prisons all over the world have become the ‘epicenter’ of terrorist groups' activities that include violent extremism, radicalization and recruitments into terrorist prison criminal groups. Although many scholars, especially in Kenya, have not scratched this area, the fact remains that prisons have become a center of terrorist recruitment, strengthening, interconnecting, organizing, and conducting terrorist actions with subjects outside of prison. This study, therefore, was designed to evaluate the Kenya Prisons Service's functionality in managing Terrorist Prison criminal group Activities at Kamiti Maximum Prison. Three objectives focused this study; to examine the nature of available Terrorist Prison Criminal Groups Management strategies at the institution; to identify the anti-Terrorist Prison Criminal Groups Management gaps, and finally, to identify activities associated with Terrorist Prison Criminal Groups at Kamiti Maximum Prison. The paper employed a descriptive research design and a hybrid methodology where qualitative and quantitative data were obtained. Results showed that the most embraced terrorist management techniques were separation/isolation as it allows for close supervision and use of risk assessment instruments amongst other measures. Results also showed that clandestine use of the internet while in prison was associated with the recruitment of other prisoners into terrorist groups, Islamist militant prison radicalization, and external influences. The study findings showed that the main ways to mitigate the Terrorist Prison Criminal Group activities in Kenya included creating employment opportunities for the youth, creating rehabilitation programs for terror convicts, and offering education to the public. Amongst other measures, this was perceived as mitigation to reduce terrorist groups. The study recommended judges and magistrates to only incarcerate the most serious criminals and prefer non-custodial sentences for petty offenders. This will better manage the radicalization of petty prisoners.&#x0D; Key words: Inmates, terrorist criminals, Prison, Isolation, Concentration, Separation.

Bottled water brands are contaminated with multidrug resistant bacteria in Nairobi, Kenya

Background: The demand for drinking water has necessitated the proliferation of bottled water companies in Kenya. This study evaluated if retailed bottled water in Nairobi Kenya complies with both local and international reference criteria. Methods: A total of 42 different water brands (25 approved by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and 17 banned brands) were analyzed for both physicochemical and bacteriological quality. The spread plate method was used to obtain the total plate count of bacteria, while the membrane filter method was used to obtain total coliform count (TCC) and fecal coliform count (FCC). Structured interviews were used to gather company-related information. Results: Overall, 16% of KRA-approved and 35.3% of banned bottled water were contaminated with heterotrophic bacteria. Of the approved water brands, 4% were positive for total coliforms, compared with 17% of the banned brands. Similarly, 4% and 17% approved and banned water brands were positive for fecal coliforms, respectively. Escherichia coli (19.1%), Pseudomonas spp. (9.5%) and Klebsiella spp. (4.8%) were the most common bacterial types isolated from all water brands, most of which exhibited multidrug resistance. In multivariable analysis, water companies that cleaned pipework and bottles using chlorine-based disinfectants (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.8), those that had food safety programs (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.019 to 0.9), had standard operating procedures (SOP) for water sourcing (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.012 to 0.9) and SOP for contamination protection (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.9) remained independently associated with bottled water brands exceeding WHO TCC limits. Conclusions: A number of bottled water brands were contaminated with one or more types of indicator bacteria, some of which were multidrug-resistant. Water bottling companies’ processes contribute to contamination. Rigorous regulation and monitoring will improve water quality and safety.

Bottled water brands are contaminated with multidrug resistant bacteria in Nairobi, Kenya

Background: The demand for drinking water has necessitated the proliferation of bottled water companies in Kenya. This study evaluated if retailed bottled water in Nairobi Kenya complies with both local and international reference criteria. Methods: A total of 42 different water brands (25 approved by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and 17 banned brands) were analyzed for both physicochemical and bacteriological quality. The spread plate method was used to obtain the total plate count of bacteria, while the membrane filter method was used to obtain total coliform count (TCC) and fecal coliform count (FCC). Structured interviews were used to gather company-related information. Results: Overall, 16% of KRA-approved and 35.3% of banned bottled water were contaminated with heterotrophic bacteria. Of the approved water brands, 4% were positive for total coliforms, compared with 17% of the banned brands. Similarly, 4% and 17% approved and banned water brands were positive for fecal coliforms, respectively. Escherichia coli (19.1%), Pseudomonas spp. (9.5%) and Klebsiella spp. (4.8%) were the most common bacterial types isolated from all water brands, most of which exhibited multidrug resistance. In multivariable analysis, water companies that cleaned pipework and bottles using chlorine-based disinfectants (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.8), those that had food safety programs (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.019 to 0.9), had standard operating procedures (SOP) for water sourcing (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.012 to 0.9) and SOP for contamination protection (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.9) remained independently associated with bottled water brands exceeding WHO TCC limits. Conclusions: A number of bottled water brands were contaminated with one or more types of indicator bacteria, some of which were multidrug-resistant. Water bottling companies’ processes contribute to contamination. Rigorous regulation and monitoring will improve water quality and safety.

My Book Buddy

In 2010, the My Book Buddy foundation started the first children’s library at a primary school in the slums of Nairobi in Kenya. Not a children’s library in the traditional sense of the word, but an evidence based concept which is already embraced by 18 countries, and which has allowed 22,500 children to participate in active reading. This paper gives an insight into the various aspects of the concept, the success factors in the different developing countries, and the necessity to realize more My Book Buddy children’s libraries in co-operation with expert librarians who have knowledge of knowledge of children’s literature and insight into the reading process of children. A window to the world has been opened for children who are usually deprived of books because they are too expensive or out of reach for them, not only figuratively speaking, but also in the literal meaning of the word.

Extinctionscapes: Spatializing the commodification of animal lives and afterlives in conservation landscapes

ABSTRACT This article advances a more-than-human perspective on geographies of death and dying, engaging with extinctionscapes as spaces where the memorialization of nonhuman life generates affective and commodifiable experiences with species loss in conservation landscapes. Bringing geographical concepts, such as absence-presence, into conversation with recent literature on lively commodities, we describe how animals at the threshold of life and death are made to work for conservation as well as how their afterlives are subjected to ongoing forms of commodification through acts of memorialization in landscape. Specifically, our analysis focuses on the stories of three rhinos at a conservancy in Kenya to consider the themes of death and dying, value, and commodification in relation to endangered species conservation. By situating the lives and afterlives of these rhinos in the history of settler colonialism and capitalism in Kenya, we examine how commodification, as a social and cultural process, becomes entangled with the corporeal and discorporate lives of animals and contributes to the reproduction of historic injustices through extinctionscapes. Ultimately, we argue for ongoing critical engagement with the amorphous borderland of life and death in geographies of conservation, which represents an important space of biopolitics and commodification.